My First W Quarter Find of the Year!
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July 10, 2025You know, I’ve collected coins for ages, but finding a surprise treasure in daily life still gives me that electric thrill—like the day I pulled a gorgeous 1964 quarter from a laundromat change machine. That silvery glow and crisp details? Pure magic. Let me walk you through my laundromat coin hunting adventures and how you can turn mundane errands into treasure hunts.
My Unforgettable 1964 Quarter Moment
I’d struck out a few times at my neighborhood laundromat before landing this beauty. Photos don’t do it justice—the natural rainbow toning whispered stories of its 60-year journey. Now I drop by regularly, and while some days yield nothing, the possibility keeps me hooked. Stick with it, and you might find silver too—or even rarer gems like those elusive 1941 quarters collectors whisper about.
How Laundromat Quarter Hunting Works
Honestly, it couldn’t be simpler: feed dollar bills into the change machine, and out roll quarters for the washers. Most spots use old mechanical machines that don’t fuss over coin types. Here’s the drill:
- Slide in $1, $5, $10, or $20 bills for fresh rolls of quarters
- These vintage changers rarely reject silver coins—they just clunk through
- Typically no staff watching, so you can hunt without awkward explanations
Sure, washing a load might cost $5 these days, but I skip the laundry and pocket the coins. Way more rewarding than folding socks!
Field-Tested Tips from My Hunting Log
After a year and a half of regular hunts, here’s what actually works:
- Time visits after 3 PM when attendants often leave—you’ll hunt undisturbed
- Start with $20-$100 per trip; sort at home by design to spot rarities
- Patience pays—I score finds half the time, once landing three W quarters in one haul
- Scope multiple locations; many still use coins despite card reader trends
This low-stakes approach has filled my album with silver and modern rarities without draining my wallet.
Why Silver Slips Through & Grading Smarts
Here’s the beautiful part: laundromat machines swallow silver quarters because they’re dumb mechanical beasts—unlike today’s picky self-checkouts. That means pre-1965 gems like my ’64 can still surface. When assessing finds, remember:
- Natural toning adds charm and value—avoid cleaned coins like the plague
- Focus on sharp details; even worn silver carries premium value
- Watch for W mint marks or key dates—they’re rare but not impossible here
Silver quarters are red-hot with collectors right now. Beyond the cash potential, there’s something special about rescuing history from a coin tray.
If you’re building a collection, hit up your local laundromat. For pocket change and patience, you might just discover your own ’64 miracle coin. Keep your eyes peeled out there!